Hot-dip galvanizing: Durability of road safety equipment

Road safety depends on the structural integrity of its devices. From vehicle restraint systems (safety barriers, guardrails, impact attenuators, etc.) to sign gantries and road markings, most of these systems are made of steel. The greatest enemy of steel, especially in environments exposed to the elements and corrosive agents (salt, humidity, pollution), is corrosion. While other solutions such as weathering steel are beginning to be explored, hot-dip galvanizing is undoubtedly the leading solution that guarantees the longevity and consistent performance of the equipment, directly impacting the reduction of maintenance costs for public administrations.

1. Corrosion: The Hidden Cost on Roads

The oxidation of steel is not just an aesthetic problem; it compromises the functional capacity of road equipment. For example, a corroded guardrail can fail to absorb the energy of an impact, endangering the lives of vehicle occupants.

The costs associated with corrosion are divided into two categories:

  1. Direct maintenance costs: Repair or premature replacement of corroded components, including the cost of personnel, materials, and traffic management during the intervention.
  2. Indirect safety costs: The risk of equipment failure and the potential increase in accidents if the device does not perform its function.

2. The Hot-Dip Galvanizing Process

Discontinuous hot-dip galvanizing is a metallurgical process in which steel is immersed in a bath of molten zinc at a controlled temperature between 440°C and 500°C. This process not only coats the surface of the steel but also creates an iron-zinc intermetallic alloy metallurgically bonded to the base steel. For this reason, the final result is considered more of an alloy than a simple surface coating.

2.1 Process Phases for Durable Coating

To ensure proper adhesion of the alloy layers, the process follows a strict 10-step sequence before immersion in the zinc bath:

  1. Receiving and Shipping: Initial inspection of the parts and preparation for the process.
  2. Acid Degreasing: Removal of grease, oil, and surface dirt using degreasing solutions.
  3. Pickling: Immersion in acid (generally hydrochloric acid) to remove rust and mill scale, leaving the steel chemically clean.
  4. Washing: Rinsing to remove surface acid residue before the next phase.
  5. Fluxing: Immersion in a zinc ammonium chloride solution to prevent premature oxidation of the clean steel and facilitate the metallurgical reaction with the molten zinc.
  6. Oven Drying: Complete removal of moisture from the fluxed parts to prevent violent splashing upon contact with the molten zinc.
  7. Furnace Drying: Complete removal of moisture from the fluxed parts to prevent violent splashing upon contact with the molten zinc. Galvanizing: Immersion in a molten zinc bath, where the Fe-Zn alloying reaction occurs.
  8. Air Cooling: Controlled removal from the zinc bath to allow the coating to solidify and cool.
  9. Optional Passivation: Post-galvanizing chemical treatment to minimize the formation of "white spots" during storage.
  10. Refinishing and Shipping: Removal of excess zinc, final thickness inspection according to regulations, and preparation for shipment.

2.2 Protection Mechanisms

Unlike paints or surface coatings, hot-dip galvanizing offers a double layer of protection:

  • Physical Barrier: The zinc coating isolates the steel from the corrosive environment (humidity, oxygen, salt).
  • Cathodic Protection (Sacrificial): If the zinc layer is damaged (for example, by scratching or impact), the zinc, being more reactive than iron, is sacrificed and corrodes first. This protects the underlying steel from oxidation by healing small damaged areas (the so-called "galvanic cell").

This sacrificial protection is critical for road safety elements that are constantly exposed to abrasion and minor impacts.

3. Durability and Reduced Life Cycle Cost

The main advantage of hot-dip galvanizing is its exceptional durability, especially compared to other protection methods (paints or electrolytic zinc coatings).

Hot-dip galvanizing provides, with a single application, protection that can last for more than 50 years in most road environments, resulting in a lower Life Cycle Cost (LCC) for the administration.

3.1 Cost Comparison

The initial cost of a hot-dip galvanized element may be slightly higher than painting, but the need for maintenance is eliminated for decades. If projected over 50 years, the total cost of a painted component (requiring 5-10 repaintings) is up to four times higher than the single cost of the initial galvanizing investment.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

The effectiveness and reliability of hot-dip galvanizing are regulated by international and European standards that guarantee the performance of products in road infrastructure.

  • ISO 1461 / EN ISO 1461: This standard specifies the properties of hot-dip zinc coatings on finished products (including fasteners and road safety components). It establishes the minimum coating thickness requirements, measured in microns (µm), which depend on the thickness of the base steel.
  • Visual Finishes and Quality: It is important to note that the final appearance of the galvanized coating may vary (high gloss, crystalline, matte gray). These different shades are characteristic of the process and depend on the chemical composition and reactivity of the steel, as well as the cooling rate. These color variations should not be considered defects, as corrosion resistance remains unchanged. Natural aging over time will homogenize the color.
  • CE Marking: In the European Union, road safety devices (such as barriers) must bear the CE marking, which signifies that their manufacture, including anti-corrosion treatment, complies with European performance and durability standards.

By specifying hot-dip galvanizing, authorities not only purchase durability but also ensure compliance with strict safety regulations. Infrastructure protected with this method extends its lifespan, improves safety, and allows managing bodies to redirect resources from corrective maintenance to more strategic investments.


Energy Efficiency in Lighting: The strategy of the State Road Network (RCE)

The State Road Network (RCE), managed by the Directorate-General for Roads (DGC) of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility (MITMA), faces an energy challenge of great magnitude. The energy efficiency strategy has become a priority to reduce high operating expenditure and align with the objectives of the ecological transition, based on technological modernization and advanced telemanagement.

1. Context and Magnitude of Energy Expenditure

The RCE's electricity consumption is one of the largest in public administration. Historically, consumption has remained close to 145,000,000 kWh/year, with an associated cost of tens of millions of euros, underscoring the urgency of intervention.

1.1 Critical Distribution of Consumption

The interurban infrastructure shows an unbalanced consumption distribution, primarily concentrated in the lighting and operation of enclosed structures.

This dependence on consumption in tunnels (where lighting and ventilation are vital safety functions that cannot be interrupted) demands solutions of maximum efficiency that do not compromise visibility standards.

2. The Innovation Strategy (CPI) and the Three Lines of Action

The RCE's strategy is articulated around Public Procurement of Innovation (CPI), a mechanism used by MITMA to promote technological solutions addressing its specific needs.

The central goal of the DGC is to achieve savings of between 40% and 50% of the network's total consumption. This is achieved through coordinated action in three fundamental lines of action:

Axis 1: Luminaire Requirements (LED Migration)

The migration from obsolete technologies like high-pressure sodium lamps (VSAP) to LED technology is the first step, but it must meet advanced technical requirements to ensure long-term durability and efficiency in a demanding environment:

  • Required Service Life: New luminaires are required to have a very high minimum service life, with certifications such as L90B10_100.000h. This means that only 10% of the units can have depreciated their luminous flux below 90% of their initial value after 100,000 hours of operation.
  • Maintenance Reduction: High reliability is key to minimising interventions on the road, which are costly and dangerous.

Axis 2: Telemanagement and Dynamic Control (ITS)

The implementation of an Intelligent Management System (SGI) is essential to achieve savings targets through dynamic light adaptation.

  • Standard Connectivity: The control nodes that allow remote monitoring and dynamic adaptation must be of an international standard, integrated using NEMA or Zhaga connectors.
  • ITS Functionality: The SGI enables the dynamic adaptation of lighting in real-time to environmental and traffic conditions. During off-peak hours, intensity is reduced to pre-established levels, but the system must be capable of immediate re-activation when vehicles pass or in emergency situations (e.g., an accident warning or fog).

Descriptive Chart: RCE Saving Goal

  • Baseline Consumption (Without CPI): 145.000.000 kWh/year
  • Saving Target (40%): Reduction of 58.000.000 kWh/year
  • Target Consumption: 87.000.000 kWh/year.

Axis 3: Road Safety and Strict Regulatory Compliance

On roads, lighting is a safety factor that must be managed with millimetre precision, especially at high speed. Therefore, regulatory compliance is non-negotiable and becomes the third strategic pillar:

  • Luminance vs. Illuminance: Unlike urban roads (where illuminance is measured), on highways, average luminance (Lm) is prioritised, which is the light reflected from the pavement to the driver's eye.
  • Requirement Levels: Lighting solutions must guarantee the average luminance levels required by regulations, which range between 0.30 and 2.00 cd/m², depending on the type of road (motorway, conventional) and traffic intensity (IMD).
  • Mitigation of Accident Risk: Efficient and reliable management of lighting at singular points is an unavoidable road safety priority. Studies like the one by INTRAS on run-off-road accidents have shown that the lack of lighting is a factor that significantly increases the risk and percentage of night-time accidents, justifying investment in intelligent and reliable systems at points where lighting is legally mandated.

3. Vision 2030: Digital Transformation and Sustainability

Smart road lighting in the RCE is not just a saving measure but a strategic component of the road network's transformation:

  • Sustainability: Energy saving contributes directly to the objectives of the RCE's 2030 Energy Efficiency Strategy, minimising energy dependence and reducing the infrastructure's carbon footprint.
  • Big Data and ITS Integration: The lighting telemanagement nodes are transformed into a sensor network that can be integrated into the MITMA ITS ecosystem. This allows for the collection of environmental and traffic data at remote points, crucial for predictive infrastructure maintenance and informed decision-making in mobility planning.

In summary, the investment in adaptive lighting for the RCE represents a paradigm shift: from being merely an operating cost, lighting becomes an intelligent management asset that guarantees maximum safety and regulatory compliance with the minimum energy footprint.


Infrastructure management: The challenge of the maintenance backlog and the importance of asset inventory

Road maintenance is a fundamental pillar for ensuring mobility and user safety. However, the sector faces a structural challenge: managing assets that, due to an accumulated investment backlog, require immediate intervention.

Beyond theoretical debates, the operational reality shows that current management must focus on correcting incidents to ensure infrastructure quality. According to the recent Audit by the AEC (Spanish Road Association), the deterioration of functional elements forces a prioritisation of asset repair and replacement to guarantee functionality and extend the product lifecycle.

Below, we analyse the current state of the network and how technology and compliance with road safety regulations are key to recovery.

1. Situation analysis: Impact on road maintenance costs

Technical data reveals a complex scenario. The investment deficit has led to the accelerated ageing of deployed equipment. From a technical perspective, this implies that a large part of the infrastructure has exceeded its optimal service life and cannot be expected to operate with the foreseen performance levels.

Sector studies indicate that postponing corrective intervention multiplies future costs and affects road sustainability. A road without adequate asphalt is not only unsafe but also increases vehicle fuel consumption, raising the infrastructure's carbon footprint. A road with defective road markings and deteriorated vertical signage harms road safety. A road whose restraint systems are obsolete and in poor condition is less prepared to be a "forgiving road".

2. The foundation of efficient management: Inventory and road inspection

In an environment of limited resources, a comprehensive inventory is indispensable. It is not viable to plan without precise knowledge of the installed reality. The trend towards Smart Roads begins by digitising the basics:

  • Georeferencing: Exact location of each asset.

  • Diagnosis: Classifying elements according to their degree of deterioration.

  • Data: Utilising road Big Data to prioritise actions based on technical risk.

3. Critical areas for technical intervention

Safety depends on the correct interaction of all elements. The deficiencies detected require specific actions in four main blocks, always complying with road product certification:

3.1. Pavements and road surfacing The road surface is the element most exposed to wear. A degraded pavement reduces skid resistance and increases the risk of accidents. Its repair is a priority to restore safety and transport efficiency.

3.2. Vertical signage and active road safety Signage has a limited service life. Compliance with night-time visibility regulations is critical. Replacement must ensure the required levels of retroreflectivity, guaranteeing that signs are visible and legible in any condition, acting as true active infrastructure.

3.3. Road markings (horizontal signage) Road markings are fundamental for the human driver, especially on regional roads where there are often more bends and a lack of hard shoulders, vertical signage, or public lighting. Furthermore, even on high-intensity roads, they are fundamental for connected mobility. Driver assistance systems (ADAS) depend on well-painted and maintained lines to operate correctly.

3.4. Safety barriers and advanced restraint systems This is one of the most critical points. The current stock of metal barriers and guardrails presents significant challenges related to obsolescence, lack of performance, protection against corrosion, and damage from previous impacts. In this regard, and to guarantee safety, it is imperative that any replacement or new installation strictly complies with the EN 1317 standard. This implies using restraint devices that have passed the corresponding impact test, ensuring that their dynamic behaviour (working width and containment level) is appropriate for the type of road. Additionally, it is fundamental to consider the durability of metal structures through treatments such as galvanising to withstand weathering.

4. Technology and road sensorisation

The industry is advancing towards predictive maintenance solutions, such as the use of computer vision technologies (whether on-board a vehicle or from the air with drones) or LiDAR. These allow for road inspection at traffic speed, digitising the condition of equipment at very high speed, with maximum precision, and without risk to operatives.

These tools allow administrations to evolve towards more optimised asset and maintenance management, based on data and real-world diagnosis of deployed equipment, optimising every euro invested in road recovery.

Improving road safety requires facing the maintenance backlog with courage and new tools, ensuring that every euro invested is useful. Only in this way will it be possible to return the infrastructure to the quality standards that current mobility demands.


Adaptive lighting: Energy efficiency in Smart Cities and urban roads

Adaptive road lighting stands as a fundamental component for the development of Smart Cities, integrating sustainability and energy efficiency with pedestrian safety and comfort into a single intelligent system. In the urban context, street lighting adjusts its intensity and light pattern based on real-time data, prioritising the specific needs of the city's streets and squares.

This proactive approach responds to the critical need of administrations to reduce high municipal electricity consumption and improve the nocturnal liveability of their environments.

1. Energy efficiency and intelligent consumption management

Outdoor lighting represents one of the largest items of energy expenditure for municipalities, consuming between 40% and 60% of their total electricity. The implementation of adaptive lighting, based on high-efficiency LED luminaires and tele-management systems (LMS – Lighting Management Systems), allows for unprecedented optimisation.

  • Demand management and dynamic dimming: The key strategy is selective dimming. Instead of maintaining constant power throughout the night, light intensity is modulated automatically. During hours of low activity, especially in the early hours of the morning or on secondary streets, power can be reduced to minimum levels of 20-30% of total capacity. It only increases to 100% instantaneously and gradually upon the detection of a pedestrian, cyclist, or vehicle.

  • Sustainable savings and KPIs: This intelligent management can generate energy savings of between 50% and 75% compared to traditional lighting. This saving translates directly into a significant reduction in the municipal carbon footprint, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and energy transition commitments.

  • Predictive maintenance 4.0: The tele-management of each light point (node) facilitates remote monitoring. The system automatically detects and alerts regarding voltage failures, power variations, or imminent luminaire failures (detection of flickering or low performance). This transforms maintenance from corrective to predictive, optimising human resources and avoiding service interruptions.

2. Road safety and nocturnal risk mitigation

In the urban environment, lighting is a key factor in accident prevention, especially at critical interaction points between vehicles and pedestrians (junctions, zebra crossings, public transport stops). Insufficient lighting not only generates citizen insecurity but also increases the risk of accidents.

The link with risk in the dark: Specialised studies demonstrate the direct relationship between a lack of light and an increase in accident rates. The recent report on accidents caused by running off the road by INTRAS (Institute of Traffic and Road Safety) corroborates this need. Although the study focuses on interurban sections, its conclusions are fundamental: deficient visibility is directly linked to a higher percentage of accidents, with the risk increasing when the road lacks artificial light. Prolonged darkness reduces the driver's perception capacity, especially regarding static objects on the carriageway or stationary vehicles, increasing the probability of head-on collisions or running off the road.

Adaptive lighting in Smart Cities mitigates this risk through:

  • On-demand activation (tactical dimming): By increasing light only in the presence of a user, the system guarantees maximum visibility at the precise moment a potential risk arises.

  • Prioritisation of pedestrians at crossings: Through sensor detection, light intensity over zebra crossings can be increased in a focused manner, protecting the most vulnerable users and giving them visual priority.

  • Comfort and liveability: It generates a sense of safety and well-being, promoting the use of public space and active mobility (pedestrian and cycling) during night hours, a key factor for quality of life in Smart Cities.

3. Lighting as an IoT platform and source of urban Big Data

The true leap in adaptive lighting is its transformative role as an IoT (Internet of Things) platform within Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). Smart City luminaires no longer just emit light; they act as a dense network of sensors connected to centralised management software.

  • Sensors for mobility management: Lighting nodes equipped with motion sensors, radar, or low-consumption cameras become urban data collection points.

    • Flow Control: They measure traffic density and pedestrian flow in real-time to optimise lighting and generate mobility heatmaps.

    • Integration with Emergency Platforms: The lighting system can connect with the traffic network. If an accident is detected or an emergency vehicle approaches, the lighting in that section automatically increases to improve visibility and clear the road.

  • Multi-Purpose Services and connectivity: The lighting infrastructure becomes an essential support for other Smart City services, offering value-added solutions:

    • Environmental monitoring (air quality, noise).

    • Charging points for electric vehicles or bicycles.

    • Hotspots for the deployment of public Wi-Fi or low-power 5G networks.

  • Informed planning (Big Data): Anonymous and aggregated data collected by luminaires (pedestrian flow, environmental data, usage patterns) are processed as Big Data for urban planning, helping authorities make precise decisions regarding the design of sustainable infrastructure (location of cycle lanes, changes in transport routes, or reorganisation of public spaces).

4. Environmental sustainability: Reduction of light pollution

A benefit often underestimated in adaptive lighting is its contribution to environmental sustainability, specifically through the reduction of light pollution.

  • Dark skies: By modulating intensity and directing the light beam (thanks to advanced LED optics), light projected towards the sky (upper hemisphere flux) is minimised. This protects nocturnal ecosystems, reduces the impact on fauna (especially birds and insects), and allows citizens to enjoy a less polluted night sky.

  • Spectral adjustment: The ability to select the colour temperature of LED light (generally below 3000K) reduces the emission of blue light, which is the most harmful to human sleep cycles (circadian rhythms) and generates the most light scattering in the atmosphere, contributing to a healthier urban environment.

Intelligent lighting transforms street lighting from a fixed and passive service into a dynamic, efficient, and central element in the digital and sustainable management of Smart Cities.


Road Safety Barriers: Types, Regulations and the Importance of Certification for Public Projects

Road safety barriers, technically called vehicle restraint systems (VRS), are an essential element of modern infrastructure, designed to protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists from traffic accidents. Their main function is to reduce the severity of collisions, preventing vehicles from leaving the road or impacting dangerous elements. In Spain and throughout Europe, the assemble of barriers is regulated by strict standards that guarantee their effectiveness and certification, which are key factors for public works projects.

The choice of the right barrier depends on key factors such as road type, traffic volume, the context (urban, interurban, tunnels, bridges), and the containment level required by regulations. The main categories are described below:

Metallic Barriers (Guardrail)

Metallic barriers, also known as guardrails, are usually made of galvanised steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and extended durability. These flexible systems are engineered to deform on impact, absorbing and dissipating energy to lessen crash forces and reduce the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

These systems are ideal for standard roads and motorways, especially in sections where a vehicle could leave the roadway towards slopes, embankments, or wooded areas. Their main benefits are their reduced cost, ease of installation and repair, and great versatility. However, a clear safety zone must be maintained behind the barrier to accommodate its deformation (working width).

Concrete Barriers

These barriers are built with reinforced or pre-stressed concrete, and often feature tongue-and-groove joints to improve their continuity. They are rigid systems that barely deform upon impact, as their main function is to contain and redirect the vehicle back onto the carriageway.

They are used on motorways and high-capacity roads, as well as on bridges, viaducts, and in tunnels, where there is no lateral margin for deformation. Their main advantages are their very high durability and the minimal repair needs after an impact. Their main limitation is that they transmit a higher impact severity to vehicle occupants compared to flexible barriers.

Mixed Barriers

Mixed barriers combine a concrete base with metal elements on the top. Their design seeks a balance between rigidity and flexibility, absorbing impact energy to reduce its severity for occupants without losing structural stability.

They are common in urban areas with mixed traffic (heavy and light vehicles) and on high-speed roads near urban centres, but they are falling into disuse because they are not certified systems according to current regulations since 2011. At the time, they addressed some of the shortcomings of concrete barriers, such as their height.

Motorcyclist Protection Systems

The design of conventional barriers, particularly the vertical posts that support them, creates a serious risk to motorcyclists. In a fall, the direct impact of the rider's body or motorcycle against these rigid elements can cause severe or fatal injuries. To mitigate this danger, motorcyclist protection systems (MPS) have been developed: a continuous lower panel installed beneath the guardrail to shield the posts and reduce under-ride and snagging.

These MPS, made from steel, high-resistance polymers or a steel-polymer hybrid, create a smooth and continuous surface that prevents riders from sliding under the barrier and colliding with the posts. In effect, they guide the rider along the barrier, reducing exposure to the most hazardous impact points. They are a priority safety measure on sections with high motorcycle crash rates, dangerous curves, and mountain roads, where the risk of falling is higher. Multiple studies report meaningful reductions in both the frequency and severity of motorcyclist injuries.

Guardrails and Pedestrian Systems

These systems are designed to protect the most vulnerable users—pedestrians and cyclists—and to guide traffic in urban settings. They are made of materials such as steel, aluminium, or methacrylate, and always comply with accessibility requirements and a minimum protection height.

They are installed on pavements alongside heavy traffic roads, on elevated pedestrian crossings, and in urban areas with high pedestrian volumes. Their main advantage is increased road safety for vulnerable users and better organisation of pedestrian flow.

Reference Standards

In the European Union, the EN 1317 standard is the key reference standard governing the characteristics, performance requirements, and tests methods for road safety barriers. It ensures consistent safety criteria across Member Countries, making validation and comparison easier throughout the European market.

The key parameters defined by the standard are:

  • Containment level: indicates the barrier's ability to stop vehicles of different masses, at different speeds and impact angles. For example, an H2 level is capable of stopping a 13-tonne bus, while an N2 level applies to 1.5-tonne cars at intermediate speeds. Each country has mechanisms for selecting the containment level for each type of road and its AADT (Average Annual Daily Traffic) and vehicle type.
  • Dynamic deflection (D): defines the maximum distance that the front face of the barrier displaces upon impact.
  • Working width (W): defines the maximum distance the barrier displaces backwards during an impact. This is crucial to ensure that the vehicle does not hit obstacles, structures, or pedestrians behind the restraint system.
  • Vehicle intrusion (Vi): defines where a hypothetical 4-metre truck box would end up after impacting the barrier. This is especially important in structures where this box could hit structural elements, for example, on a cable-stayed bridge.
  • Impact severity (A,B,C): assesses occupant protection, measuring the forces acting on the occupant during the collision. A classification A represents the safest level, as it minimises physical damage to passengers.

Passing the EN 1317 tests enables CE marking—mandatory since 2011—for the marketing and installation of road safety barriers on public works. This certification not only confirms compliance with the European test regime, but also supports acceptance by public authorities in tendering and infrastructure approval processes.

Impact Testing and Technical Validation

Before deployment, barriers must undergo full-scale crash tests at accredited laboratories. These tests reproduce controlled crash conditions using vehicles of specified masses, dimensions and speeds, as required by EN 1317.

During the tests, three main aspects are evaluated:

  • Containment and redirection capability: the barrier must prevent vehicle penetration or rollover and then redirect the vehicle back towards the carriageway in a controlled manner to minimise secondary risks.
  • Dynamic deformation and energy absorption: Measures the barrier’s displacement/deformation and the energy absorbed on impact—critical for defining the safety space (working width) behind the installation.
  • Occupant safety and structural integrity: Assesses in-vehicle acceleration/deceleration and the post-impact stability of the barrier. A certified system must protect in the initial crash and retain adequate performance for subsequent impacts until repaired.

Crash test reports are essential for obtaining CE marking and, consequently, for supplying barriers to public projects.

Certification as a Requirement in Public Projects

In public procurement, EN 1317-certified barriers are not optional but a mandatory requirement.

Beyond compliance, certification adds value for companies in the sector, instilling confidence in both public authorities and road users. It also safeguards competitiveness in an increasingly regulated and demanding market.

However, the CE marking granted by this standard is not the only valid tool for evaluating vehicle restraint systems; in fact, it’s not uncommon for uncertified systems to be installed, such as transitions between VRS or barrier terminals. EN 1317 is, above all, a framework to harmonise evaluation across Europe, a considerable challenge, and authorities have not always issued standards covering every type of restraint system. This doesn’t mean these solutions aren’t rigorously assessed; they may be installed when they’re the best fit for the site or when no suitable CE-marked option is available.

Road safety barriers are not merely equipment; they are a strategic element in reducing crashes and protecting lives. Proper selection, installation and certification ensure not only regulatory compliance but also the feasibility of public and private projects. Choosing certified systems is an investment in safety, sustainability and trust.


Acoustic engineering's role in Smart Cities: Solutions for urban noise control

Acoustic engineering is playing an increasingly vital role in the design of Smart Cities, providing effective strategies to control urban noise. In an environment where population density and traffic are on the rise, implementing soundproofing solutions is crucial for improving quality of life and urban sustainability. This article explores how these technical solutions—such as acoustic barriers and insulating panels—contribute to modern city planning, examining the regulatory framework and the significant impacts of noise on public health.

The Impact of Noise on Health and the Urban Environment

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), noise pollution is the second-largest environmental problem in Europe, surpassed only by air pollution. In Spain, its impact is a growing concern:

  • The EEA reports that prolonged noise exposure in Spain leads to over 1,100 premature deaths a year and approximately 4,100 hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases, chronic stress, and respiratory issues.
  • A report from Barcelona’s Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) estimates that traffic noise alone causes around 300 heart attacks and 30 premature deaths annually, making it a major public health issue.
  • At a cognitive level, studies from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Epidemiology Research Center (CREAL) have confirmed that children exposed to high noise levels in school can experience a delay of up to 8 months in reading acquisition and a decrease in academic performance.
  • Furthermore, constant urban noise degrades sleep quality, contributes to anxiety disorders, and directly affects workplace productivity. A 2022 study also showed that continuous exposure to high noise levels significantly increases the risk of heart attacks in young people, even those under 40.

In this context, acoustic engineering and solutions like acoustic barriers, sound-absorbing pavements, and urban acoustic planning have become essential for protecting citizens’ health and building sustainable urban environments.

Regulations and Acoustic Planning in Spain

Spain has a robust regulatory framework to combat noise pollution, aligned with the European Directive 2002/49/EC on environmental noise management. The core legislation is Law 37/2003 on Noise, which is complemented by two key Royal Decrees:

  • Royal Decree 1513/2005: Establishes the methodology for creating Strategic Noise Maps (MER) in major cities, as well as along main roads, railway lines, and near airports.
  • Royal Decree 1367/2007: Defines acoustic zoning criteria, quality objectives, and noise intrusion limits for different urban areas.

These regulations require regional and local authorities to develop:

  • Strategic Noise Maps (MER): Identify the areas most affected by noise pollution, particularly along heavily trafficked routes like urban highways and ring roads.
  • Noise Action Plans (PAR): Outline specific measures to mitigate noise, which can include installing acoustic barriers, using sound-absorbing pavements, or reorganizing traffic.

Major Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia have already implemented their MERs and PARs. Smaller municipalities are beginning to follow suit, often with the support of NextGenerationEU European funds specifically allocated for sustainable urban development and Smart City projects. This regulatory commitment, coupled with technological advances, provides a clear roadmap toward healthier and more sustainable urban environments.

Acoustic Engineering Solutions for Smart Cities

Acoustic engineering provides two main types of solutions: urban design and specialized noise reduction systems.

Urban Acoustic Design

Urban planning can integrate elements like plant barriers, insulating facade panels, or silent pavements to mitigate noise. However, when these measures are insufficient to combat the noise from heavy road or rail traffic, industrial activity, or nightlife, more advanced solutions are needed.

Specialized Noise Reduction Solutions

  • Acoustic Barriers: An Effective Shield Against Noise
    Acoustic barriers are one of the most established solutions in acoustic engineering. They typically feature reflective galvanized steel surfaces, polypropylene side closures, and a lightweight modular structure. They are designed for easy assembly and guarantee acoustic impermeability, complying with European standards (EN 1793-1 and EN 1793-2) and carrying the CE mark (EN 14388), which certifies their effectiveness in acoustic absorption, insulation, and noise reduction.
    Beyond their durability and resistance to wind or rail-induced vibrations, these barriers offer a key aesthetic advantage: seamless landscape integration through customizable paint colors. This turns them into not only a technical solution but also an urban asset. In Madrid and Valencia, installing acoustic barriers in school zones near busy roads has been shown to improve students’ concentration and academic performance by reducing distraction and hearing fatigue. Other models are also available, including aluminum, concrete, wood, or even plant-based formats, for scenarios with specific integration requirements.
  • Wall Claddings: A Silent but Essential Solution
    While acoustic barriers act as a visible shield, acoustic wall and facade claddings play a silent but crucial role in urban architecture. These materials, installed on buildings near high-noise areas, significantly reduce sound transmission into homes, offices, and schools. Their effectiveness comes from using multi-layered panels, technical foams, and sound-absorbing materials that provide both thermal and acoustic insulation. Modern claddings are also highly customizable, respecting a building’s architectural style while meeting stringent acoustic quality standards.
    These systems are particularly useful for urban revitalization projects and for retrofitting older buildings that lack proper insulation. Investing in acoustic cladding improves residents' quality of life, increases a building's real estate value, and contributes to urban regeneration.

Intelligent Urban Monitoring and the Urban Sound Economy

Some cities, like Barcelona, are implementing acoustic cameras with artificial intelligence that can identify excessively loud vehicles and display visible alerts on LED panels. These systems also use sensors and predictive algorithms to anticipate periods of high noise pollution.

The concept of the urban sound economy suggests that sound is more than a nuisance—it’s a strategic element that can be designed to improve well-being, strengthen a city's brand, and attract sensory tourism. In this sense, acoustic engineering generates significant urban value.

Benefits for Quality of Life and Public Planning

The implementation of acoustic engineering solutions offers tangible benefits for public health, urban planning, and the economy:

  • Improved Night's Rest: The Carlos III Health Institute estimates that over 25% of the Spanish population is regularly exposed to noise levels above 55 dB at night, a threshold the WHO considers harmful to sleep. Acoustic solutions significantly reduce these levels, promoting restful sleep and helping to decrease cases of chronic insomnia.
  • Reduced Cardiovascular Risk: According to EEA data, acoustic control interventions can lead to a 20% reduction in the incidence of hypertension and a 12% decrease in serious cardiac events associated with prolonged noise exposure.
  • Cognitive Protection for Children: Pilot projects in cities like Madrid and Valencia, where acoustic barriers were installed near high-traffic roads, have shown improved academic performance and reduced auditory distractions, directly benefiting children’s learning and cognitive development.
  • Enhanced Public Spaces: Reducing noise in squares, parks, and residential streets encourages greater use of urban spaces, strengthens community life, and improves the overall sense of safety and environmental quality.
  • Lower Economic Burden: The World Bank and EEA estimate that the economic cost of urban noise in Spain exceeds €5 billion annually due to healthcare costs, sick leave, and lost productivity. Investments in urban acoustic engineering thus have a clear economic return.
  • Strategic Value for Smart Cities: An urban environment with good acoustic quality becomes a major asset for attracting investment, tourism, and improving livability. As a key indicator of sustainability and quality of life, noise management aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 and 11).

Acoustic engineering has cemented its role as a fundamental pillar in the evolution of intelligent cities. It not only offers technical solutions to the challenge of urban noise but also represents a strategic investment in public health, social welfare, and urban competitiveness. By integrating soundproofing solutions, acoustic design, and intelligent monitoring within the existing regulatory framework, cities can reduce noise pollution, improve public health, and transform their urban spaces into more livable, sustainable environments for citizens, governments, and businesses alike.


How intelligent transport systems are transforming Smart Cities.

Technology is reshaping how we move, manage urban infrastructure, and keep our roads safe. In this context, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are emerging as the backbone of smart roads and, ultimately, smart cities. Bringing together sensors, advanced software, and real-time communication, they make traffic management smarter, more efficient, and safer—while driving sustainability.

In Spain, the push for ITS is being driven by initiatives such as the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, the DGT’s ITS plan, the MOVES programme, and the Next Generation EU Funds—all of which prioritise the digital transformation of urban mobility. For local governments and public authorities, grasping the potential of these technologies is key to investing wisely and driving urban modernisation.

What Are ITS?

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are a group of technologies built into transport infrastructure to improve mobility, reduce accidents, and boost energy efficiency. They bring together sensors, control devices, digital platforms, predictive algorithms, and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication to automate and coordinate mobility in real time.

These systems range from adaptive traffic lights to large-scale networks of ITS equipment, including Variable Message Signs (VMS), cameras, radars, weather stations, and control centres. Thanks to their connectivity, each element acts as a node in a network that learns, adapts, and evolves.

ITS as the Core of Smart Roads

Smart roads are a new generation of infrastructure designed to anticipate problems and communicate with vehicles and users. On these roads, ITS make it possible to:

  • Detect traffic in real time and adjust flow automatically.
  • Deliver personalised alerts on roadworks, accidents, or adverse weather.
  • Coordinate traffic lights based on current conditions, cutting waiting times and emissions.
  • Support autonomous driving through digital signals and 5G connectivity.
  • Provide data to platforms such as DGT 3.0 or Smart City Madrid to inform urban decision-making.

This approach not only improves mobility but also strengthens Intelligent Road Safety, as the systems act proactively and preventively to reduce human risk.

Real-World Applications of ITS in Spain

Spain already showcases a wide range of ITS solutions in both urban and interurban settings:

  • Madrid has rolled out intelligent traffic lights that adjust in real time to the flow of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. These systems prioritise emergency vehicles such as ambulances and city buses, cutting response times and improving overall mobility.
  • Barcelona has integrated advanced ITS platforms with a dense network of sensors across the city. This system optimises both private traffic and public transport, enabling automated real-time decisions that enhance the user experience.
  • On the A-8 motorway in the Basque Country, a dynamic speed management system has been deployed, especially effective in adverse weather conditions. The infrastructure combines VMS, weather stations, and connected surveillance cameras to adjust speed limits and send automatic alerts to drivers.
  • Málaga stands out for its Traffic Management Centre, which uses artificial intelligence to analyse mobility patterns. Based on this data, road signage is dynamically adjusted to reduce congestion and improve safety in real time.
  • In Valencia, the city’s first SMART impact attenuator has been installed at one of its most problematic intersections. This device, equipped with PLUG&META® technology, absorbs impacts at speeds of up to 80 km/h. Its integrated light signals improve the visibility of frontal impact warnings, and in the event of an accident, it instantly notifies the City Council’s Traffic Management Centre, ensuring a rapid response. This innovation transforms traditional road equipment into an intelligent system that prevents accidents, optimises signage, and improves user safety.
  • Smaller municipalities are also investing in basic ITS solutions with support from European funds. Typical examples include smart pedestrian crossings, number plate recognition cameras, and dynamic information panels—all helping to improve local mobility, reduce accidents, and modernise urban environments cost-effectively.

Benefits for Citizens and Public Administration

ITS offer clear and tangible benefits for both citizens and public authorities:

For citizens:

  • Improved road safety through dynamic alerts and signals adapted to real-world conditions.
  • Faster journeys across the city.
  • Lower fuel consumption and reduced driving stress.
  • Clear, up-to-date, and easily accessible information via apps, VMS, or digital platforms.

For public authorities:

  • Smarter traffic management with no major physical infrastructure required.
  • Lower operating costs thanks to automation.
  • Access to valuable data for evidence-based policymaking.
  • Supporting European goals for decarbonisation and sustainable urban development.

According to the Metropolitan Mobility Observatory (OMM), ITS has helped cities cut average journey times by up to 15% and CO₂ emissions by 20% in high-density areas.

A Catalyst for Public Investment and Urban Transformation

ITS are essential to the modernisation of cities, particularly for municipalities applying for European funds for sustainable mobility, digital transformation, and climate action. Thanks to their scalability, ITS solutions for cities can be rolled out in large capitals as well as small and medium-sized towns, with targeted investments and tangible short-term results.

By integrating with smart city platforms, ITS give city leaders a complete picture of urban life and empower smarter decisions on traffic management, urban planning, and public safety.

ITS are more than a technological upgrade: they form the backbone of smart cities, reshaping the way we move, connect, and live. For city councils, transport authorities, and regional governments, adopting these systems unlocks greater efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Backed by public funding and expert partners, ITS solutions are easier than ever to deploy. The future of urban mobility is already here—and it runs on intelligence.


Enhancing Seaside Promenade Safety with Advanced Infrastructure Solutions

With the arrival of summer, beach areas fill with tourists and residents eager to enjoy the sun and sea. Seaside promenades become activity hubs, hosting cyclists, pedestrians, and users of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs). However, the increase in users during this season highlights the urgent need to modernize and update road infrastructure.

In many seaside promenades, the separation between the road and pedestrian areas is insufficient, creating hazardous situations that could be avoided with proper planning and the delineation of these dangerous zones.

Bicycle Lane in Sa Rápita, where a teenager died in 2018 after being hit by a car

Today, the presence of cyclists, pedestrians, electric scooters, and other PMVs has grown exponentially.

These vulnerable users share spaces with motor vehicles, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. In many places, the road and seaside promenades are at the same level and lack effective barriers to contain vehicles in the event of a road departure accident.

This lack of separation can lead to dangerous situations, such as a vehicle leaving the road and invading the pedestrian area, potentially causing injuries or even fatalities. The absence of steel parapets or other suitable physical barriers significantly increases the risk of accidents in these crowded areas.

Seaside Promenade in Jávea next to Avenida del Mediterráneo, where there is no separation between the pedestrian, cyclist, and road areas

An effective solution to improve safety on seaside promenades is the installation of certified Steel parapets that ensure the safety of both drivers and vulnerable users.

Our Metaurban steel parapet, with an N1-H1 containment level and CE marking, provides protection in these busy areas. The Metaurban® steel parapet is a vehicle containment system specifically designed for installation on urban or peri-urban roads, making it ideal for these types of roads. It is a certified device according to European standard EN 1317 parts 1 and 2, and with compliance with part 5 regarding production control, it has obtained CE marking.

The Metaurban steel parapet provides robust physical separation between the road and areas designated for cyclists and pedestrians. The Metaurban structure is designed to absorb impacts and deflect vehicles away from pedestrian and cyclist areas, significantly reducing the risk of traffic accidents. Implementing these steel parapets not only improves safety but also offers a sense of protection and peace of mind to all users of the seaside promenade.

Smart solutions for the seaside promenades of the future: a step beyond in terms of road safety.

Preventing accidents is key when planning road safety for the summer season. As mentioned earlier, separating bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths from roads is effective and convenient, but it is even more crucial to prevent these potential accidents through risk detection and signaling to users.

In addition to traditional steel parapets, smart solutions like PLUG&META® are revolutionizing road safety as we know it.

This advanced system incorporates technology that detects and alerts in real-time about potential risks and informs authorities in the event of a serious incident. Thanks to its network of sensors and cameras, it can identify risks such as the presence of pedestrians and cyclists, approaching vehicles at high speed, or situations that may lead to traffic accidents.

Continuous monitoring and immediate response capabilities allow for accident prevention and improved safety on seaside promenades. This enables administrations and municipalities to make mobility decisions based on real data from their roads.

The technology can be applied to any new or existing road element, allowing it to be combined with the Metaurban steel parapet to create the perfect solution for beach areas and seaside promenades.

The PLUG&META® technology integrated into road equipment provides Active Road Safety to infrastructure

This summer, it is essential to enjoy outdoor activities safely. The protection of cyclists, pedestrians, and PMV users on seaside promenades should be a priority. Local councils and administrations have the responsibility to implement effective solutions, such as Metaurban steel parapets and active road safety technologies like PLUG&META®, to prevent accidents and ensure everyone's safety.

By taking these measures, we can create safer and more enjoyable environments to enjoy the summer. Safety is everyone's responsibility, and with adequate infrastructure, we can protect tourists and residents, ensuring that our seaside promenades are safe and welcoming spaces for all.


Road Safety and Accident Prevention: 21st Century Infrastructure

Road Safety and Accident Prevention: The Need for Adaptation and Road Safety

For decades, our roads have been the pillars of mobility, connecting cities, towns, and communities. However, as we move towards an increasingly digital and sustainability-oriented future, it becomes evident that our road infrastructure urgently needs an update. While efforts have been made to maintain and repair existing roads, not enough has been done to adapt them to new mobility methods, Smart Cities, and the growing demands of an ever-increasing population.

The need for infrastructure adaptation to cities

The world is changing at a dizzying pace, and our cities must keep up. Cities are evolving into smarter environments where technology plays a fundamental role in traffic management, road safety, and energy efficiency. However, our urban roads remain largely analog in a digital world. An updated road infrastructure is needed that integrates technologies such as smart sensors, traffic management systems, and vehicular communications to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. Administrations are aware of this issue and have been implementing data-driven strategies for years to improve citizens' lives.

Sustainable mobility

Sustainable mobility is another crucial aspect that our roads must address. With increasing environmental awareness and the need to reduce carbon emissions, it is imperative to promote the use of public transportation, bicycles, and electric vehicles. However, current roads are not designed to accommodate this diversity of mobility options. Safe bike lanes, charging stations for electric vehicles, and infrastructure that fosters efficient public transportation are needed.

Population growth and urbanization are global trends that are putting increasing pressure on our roads. Cities are more populated than ever, meaning more vehicles on the roads and greater infrastructure demands. However, many of our roads were not designed to handle this volume of traffic, resulting in congestion, longer travel times, and increased pollution. It is essential to adapt our roads to meet the needs of 21st-century cities and beyond.

Road safety and accident prevention

One of the most critical aspects when talking about road infrastructure is the safety of its users. Every year, thousands of lives are lost in traffic accidents, and many more people are seriously injured. It is crucial that our roads are designed with a focus on road safety to reduce these tragedies.

Technology plays a fundamental role in accident prevention. Advanced driver assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot detection, can help avoid collisions before they occur. Additionally, adequate lighting, clear signage, and regular infrastructure maintenance can improve visibility and reduce risks for drivers.

Technologies like PLUG&META® are a clear example of innovation in the field of SMART ROADS and a clear trend that reaffirms the administration's commitment to the new era. The most appropriate decisions for urban mobility must always be based on real data to ensure the safety of all road users.

Road education also plays a crucial role in accident prevention. Awareness programs about the importance of wearing seat belts, respecting speed limits, and avoiding distractions while driving are fundamental to promoting a culture of safety on our roads.

At Metalesa, we firmly believe that accident prevention requires a holistic approach that addresses both technological and human aspects of road safety. By investing in safer infrastructures and promoting responsible behavior from road users, we can work towards drastically reducing the number of accidents and saving lives on our roads.

 

 

Collaboration between the private sector and the administration

Addressing these challenges requires close collaboration between the private sector and public administration. Technology companies can bring expertise in innovation and the development of smart solutions, while governments have the power to establish policies and regulations that encourage investment in road infrastructure. It is crucial for both parties to work together to ensure the safety, mobility, and well-being of everyone who depends on our roads.

In summary, our roads need an urgent renovation to adapt to the demands of the modern world. From integrating smart technologies to promoting sustainable mobility and managing urban growth, many aspects must be addressed. Only through effective collaboration between the private sector and public administration can we ensure that our roads are prepared to meet the needs of Smart Roads in the smart cities of the present and future.


Noise pollution: How It affects health and how we can mitigate its effects may

Noise pollution: How It affects health and how we can mitigate its effects may

Noise pollution has become an increasingly significant problem in modern society. It can originate from a variety of sources, such as traffic, industry, and construction work. Unfortunately, this noise pollution has been correlated with a range of harmful health effects, from physical discomfort to more severe psychological problems. However, although we are all exposed to noise in one way or another, there are measures we can take to reduce its effects on our well-being and protect our health.

How does noise pollution affect human health?

The World Health Organization has shown that noise exceeding 75 dB is considered excessive and painful from 120 decibels and has negative effects on human health, both physically and mentally. According to WHO, high exposure to noise can cause a series of physical ailments, such as hearing loss, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, and even cardiovascular problems. Additionally, psychological effects can include stress, depression, irritability, aggression, and lack of concentration. All of this points to the need for greater awareness of this problem since millions of people suffer from its potential dangers.

Noise pollution is mainly caused by industrial activities such as construction work or transportation vehicles like planes and cars. In public spaces such as parks or streets, too much noise impacts the environment we live in, creating discomfort that negatively affects people’s well-being.

Sources of noise pollution

Environmental noise is a significant problem that has become increasingly common in recent years. Besides being an unpleasant nuisance, it can have serious consequences for the auditory canals of both humans and animals. There are many sources of noise, including transportation systems, industrial machinery, and even people and animals.

The main sources of noise are constructions, transportation systems such as trains, buses, boats, cars, and planes. Motor vehicles not only generate audible sounds but also vibrate, which amplifies their sound-producing capabilities. Moreover, the high concentration of traffic in urban areas raises noise levels even more significantly than in rural areas. Industrial equipment is another source of noise pollution, as it often produces powerful sound waves at high frequencies that can persist over long distances.

 

 

Solutions to reduce noise pollution

Noise pollution has become a major problem in many metropolitan areas across Spain. It is estimated that thousands of people are exposed to noise levels that exceed safe thresholds, and with increasing urbanization, this number is likely to rise even further. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that can be taken to reduce noise and make our cities more pleasant places to live.

One way to reduce noise from cars and other vehicles is to implement speed limits on roads and highways. Doing so would not only help reduce the amount of noise present in city areas but also improve overall safety conditions for citizens. Additionally, investing in quieter transportation options, such as electric or hybrid cars, can also help significantly reduce noise levels in cities over time.

Furthermore, the installation of barriers such as noise walls around noisy construction sites can greatly reduce their impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

Benefits of reducing noise

Reducing noise can bring a range of benefits to both individuals and society as a whole.

Firstly, reducing noise pollution can improve the health of those regularly exposed to high levels of noise. Studies have found that exposure to loud noises can lead to increased stress levels, difficulty sleeping, decreased productivity, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. By reducing the amount of noise pollution present in our daily lives, we can help protect people from these negative impacts associated with excessive sound levels.

Additionally, reducing noise pollution can also benefit businesses by improving the academic and work performance of employees.

Governmental and community solutions

The Spanish government, through the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, is working to adopt noise mitigation measures in its infrastructures. To this end, multiple public tenders have been launched in recent years to deploy these solutions. It is expected that this policy will remain stable in the coming years due to the need to implement European directives on noise pollution.

For some years now, any new infrastructure construction project incorporates an environmental impact study, possible solutions, and budget allocations to mitigate the noise generated by its operation.

 

ACOUSTIC PROTECTION

However, the main focus of investments is on updating the acoustic impact of currently operating roads and railways, mainly acoustic screens. There are also projects for installing noise barriers around airports or other noise-generating facilities.

At the regional level, efforts are also being made to invest in updating the acoustic impact of the road and railway networks operated by the autonomous communities. Multiple initiatives are being prioritized by conducting acoustic impact studies that identify the most necessary actions.

If we, as a country, aspire to have infrastructure that operates at an adequate noise level and provide a health and quality of life service to citizens, public investment is required, and there must be a market that incentivizes private companies to invest in innovation to make projects more competitive and sustainable.